Evra desperate for Bridge win

04 November 2009 04:28

// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Manchester United defender Patrice Evra is desperate to get one over on title rivals Chelsea when the sides meet on Sunday.

United travel to Stamford Bridge having not won there since 2002, but in the knowledge that if they come away with a victory they will leapfrog the Blues and go top of the Premier League table.

Two seasons ago following a game between the two rivals at Stamford Bridge, Evra picked up a four-match ban following a spat with Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell after the game, and the full-back admits the clash on Sunday will be as tough as always.

"Every year I think Chelsea will be our main rivals," he said.

"I am not scared of them but I respect them and they are the most dangerous rivals. I said it last year and the year before and I think it this season as well.

"Both Drogba (Didier) and Anelka (Nicholas) are good friends of mine. And I know they are both great players.

"All the defenders need to focus because keeping a clean sheet will be the key to winning this game.

Strength"We need to be strong because Drogba and Anelka are two big strikers. They are both so quick and strong, although I do feel we have enough quality to do our jobs."

The 28-year-old left-back continues to argue that he was not the aggressor in the post-match incident at the Bridge last time out, and he is determined to get a result and banish the memories of the past.

"That story is the past," he added. "It is unfortunate that when I play against Chelsea, something always seems to happen.

"First it was the ground-staff, then last year I had a bit of an argument with

Michael Ballack. This year I have to make sure nothing happens because we need to get a result.

"Apart from the Community Shield, I have never lost against them and I aim to make sure that run continues.

"If there is one game I want to win this season, it is the one at Stamford Bridge.

"I didn't know it has been so long since our last victory there. It is the right time to end that run."